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SF2720 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Open season for wolves requirement provision

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to establish an annual open hunting season for wolves in Minnesota, contingent upon changes in their conservation status under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Main Provisions

  • Open Wolf Hunting Season: The bill mandates that an open season for wolf hunting be prescribed annually by the commissioner, provided wolves are no longer listed as endangered.
  • Public Comment and Consultation: Before determining the season specifics, there must be public input. The commissioner must also consult annually with relevant agricultural and federal bodies to discuss wolf-related conflicts, such as livestock depredation.
  • Wolf Population Management: Minnesota aims to maintain a wolf population between 1,251 and 1,400, which may be adjusted based on guidance from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Requirement for an Open Season: Previously, the law required waiting until wolves were delisted from endangered status before considering hunting seasons. Now, it specifies that an open season should be established annually once delisted, with particular guidelines and restrictions.
  • Wolf Management Plan: The commissioner is to adopt a comprehensive wolf management plan focusing on the survival of wolves, reducing human-wolf conflicts, minimizing livestock losses, and managing ecological impacts. The plan can only be significantly altered by legislative directive.

Relevant Terms

  • Open Season
  • Wolf Hunting
  • Endangered Species
  • Wolf Management
  • Depredation
  • Population Goals
  • Public Comment

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies apprentice hunter validation rules."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies small game licensing requirements for residents and nonresidents under age 16 under section 97A.451, subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "Details specific conditions under which minors are allowed to take small game without a license."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97A.451",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [
        "Prohibition of open season until wolf delisting."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends the open season regulations for wolves under section 97B.645, subdivision 9.",
      "modified": [
        "Mandates an annual consultation with agriculture officials before determining season restrictions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97B.645",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 9"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement for a quarterly updated list of known wolf deaths to be posted online."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends wolf management policies under section 97B.646.",
      "modified": [
        "Details the consultation process for the wolf management plan."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97B.646",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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